Email from Azar

Today was a massive day, only just ending!

First thing this morning I put the sign up above the shop I had made the day before.

And finally, it made the shop really seem like our home. All the commuters going into central London to work in the morning on the bus or bike, pass by and now they too can notice us, not just the people walking by on foot.

Then I went to buy the wood to start building my window scene. I realised that we would simply not make the opening tomorrow without some help, so Deano made some calls and a young French dude, Francois showed up to help for 5 or 6 hours for 50 quid cash in hand. He was amazing, and actually without him, we wouldn’t have made it in time. He did all the cleaning, sweeping, glass washing, floor and wall painting and box moving so I could simply concentrate on making the windows work.

For me, the amazing thing about this project is the enthusiasm and interest from all the local people. Literally every 10 minutes, someone walks into the shop to ask what is this is and wants to know all about it. Everyone is so positive and smiling and wishing us luck. Some people even want to take part or start working for us! The best was this lady who came in, who is now our very first brand ambassador!! She pushes her little cart around Dalston selling rice and vegetables to local people working in the area and in the market. She took some cans away to tell people all about it.

A guy came in with his daughter. They looked so cute!

I grabbed a half an hour lunch at the beautiful Fabrica, a beautiful Italian coffee shop and met James and Azusa there. James knows the owner and convinced him to try our drink. He absolutely loved it, so there’s another new home for FOY!

Then came Danny. He’s organising the photography exhibition tomorrow. It’s called the Outlaw Photoshow and there are 9 photographers taking part. He’s cool. And a little weird.

But then some of the other photographers showed up, and it got REALLY weird.

It was all too much for Deano, bless him…

And as the sun began to set on our little shop, the wooden window elements for the beach scene began to take shape…

And the last thing today was beginning to add some colour to them so they really start to shine!

So there you go dear Nadine, I hope that answers your question!

Another big day coming tomorrow! Good night all! X